Baler



Nov. 14, 1944. s. D. RUSSELL BALER Filed Apr-11 19, 1941 8 sheets-sheet1 M ATTORNEY Nov- 14, '1944. s. D. RUSSELL ,2,362,861

BALER Filed April 19, 1941 8 SheeJcs--Sheerl 2 A TTORNEY NOV- 14, 1944`s. D. RUSSELL BALER Filed April 19, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet Nov. 14, 1944.s. D. RUSSELL BALER Filed April 19, 1941 8 Sheets- Sheet 4 INVENTOBATTORNEY Nov.. 14, 1944. s. D. RUSSELL BALER Filed April 19, 1941 8Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 14, 1944. s. D. RUSSELL BALER Filed April 19, 1941 8Sheets-Sheet 6 AT TO RM Nov. 14, 1944. s. D. RUSSELL BALER Filed April19, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 M A TTORNEY Nov. 14, 1944. s. D. RUSSELL.

BALER Filed April 19, 1941 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Patented Nov. 1.4, 1944lBALER.

Stanley D. Russell, Racine, Wis., assignor to J. I. Case Company,Racine, Wis., a corporation Application April 19, 1941, Serial No.389,396

(ci. 10o-20) 20 Claims.

The present invention relates to balers and an object thereof is togenerallyimprove the construction and operation of machines of thisclass.

A further object is to provide such a machine of larger capacity,lighter weight and lower cost than similar machines of comparabledimensions heretofore known.

A further object is to provide improvements in methods and apparatus forfeeding a baler.

A further object is to provide a new method and apparatus for separatingthe bales in a baler whereby to eliminate the hazard and waste involvedin the use of blocks for separating the bales.

Further objects are to provide a new, novel and improved slotter, ngeror guiding means for separating bales; holding means for the slotter;such means adapted to insert the vslotter vat predetermined times; andtrip means for automatically determining the length of the bales.

Further objects will be apparent from the following description andaccompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an illustrative machine embodying theinvention.

Fig. 2 is a left side elevation of the same machine.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, showingthe pick-up means.

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Figs. 5 and 6 are similar views of a portion oi Fig. 4 showingdierent'stages in the operation of the mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view on the line 1-1 of Figs. 1 and 8.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line I8-8 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 9 is a plan view with parts broken away taken on the line 9-9 ofFig. 2.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line l--IU of Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 is a horizontal sectional view on the line II--II of Fig. 7.

Fig; 12 is a view in perspective of certain mechanism indicated in Figs.7 to 10 inclusive.

Fig. 13 is a plan view partly in section on the line I3-I3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view on the line |4-l4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 15 is a similar view of a modified arrangement of drivingmechanism.

Fig. 16 is a. view of a portion of Fig. 4 showing a-modied arrangementof driving mechanism used with construction such as that shown in Fig.15.

Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional detail taken on the line l1-| 1 of Fig.9.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged plan of Fig. 1.

Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line |9-i9 of Fig. 13.

Fig. 20 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 20-20 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 18, showing a modied drivingmechanism.

Fig; 22 is a plan view of a portion of Fig. 1 enlarged and with partsbroken away showing a modified pick-up driving arrangement.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged detail of certain construction indicated in Fig.9, with parts broken away.

Fig. 24 is a view of a portion of Fig. 2 showing a modified front endsupporting means.

Fig. 24'* is a plan view of certain construction shown in Fig. 24.

Fig. 24b is a vertical axial sectional view of construction indicated inFig. 24, on the line 241)---24b of Fig. 24.

Fig. 24 is a view of aportion/of Fig. 8, illus` trating certainoperative characteristics.

Similar reference characters have been applied to the same partsthroughout these drawings and the speci'cation.

As seen in Fig. 1, the illustrative machine includes a baler, generallydesignated as B, a pickup generally designated as P, feeding means F,and bale dividing means D, the mechanism being driven, if desired, by anengine E. Pick-up P operates to elevate material from the ground onto anapron 25. l l

Apron 25 conveys the material toward baler B and beneath a rotatingdrum, roller, or feeder' 26. Apron 25 and feeder 26 urge the materialinto the baling chamber, as will appear, through an opening in the sidethereof, dividing means D operating periodically to provide a pathwayfor a wire or other binding means and without interruption of thefeeding by apron 25and drum 26. In the present instance, the wires orother binding means are applied by operators occupying seats 21 and 28.

No separating blocks are necessary and since divider D functions withoutinterrupting the feed. the baling process is continuous and vthe timeordinarily 10st by so stopping the feed to permit dropping of the blockis saved in the present machine. Furthermore, since divider D is in-'serted in the present instance automatically, as

view of a portion will appear, the possibility of accidents to themachinery is eliminated and times losses through this source areavoided. Also, for this reason, the baling mechanism may be runappreciably faster than has been common heretofore. The total gains incapacity over prior balers of comparable size is appreciable, in fact onthe order of twenty-five percent.

Returning to a more detailed description of the machine, as seen inFigs. 1, 2 and '1, the main body of the baler comprises a baling chambermade up in any suitable or Well-known manner, as for example, a topplate 29 connected as by angle irons 30 and 3| with side plates 32 and33, plates 32 and 33 being connected as by angle irons 34 and 35 with abottom plate 36. These members make up a box-like structure constitutingthe baling chamber or compression chamber of the baler. Angle iron 34 issupported as seen in Figs. 2, 4 and 7 by means of a bracket 31 fixedtherewith and engaging an axle or brace 36 extending transverselybeneath bale chamber B and feeder F. Axle 38 has a downwardly extendingbracket 39 carried by a stub axle 40 which is in turn supported by aground engaging Wheel 4|.

Axle or brace 38 adjacent its other end has a bracket 42 carried by astub axle 43 which is in turn supported by a ground engaging wheel 44which is thus positioned at the far side of the pick-up unit from balingchamber B. A bracket 45 which may be somewhat similar to above mentionedbracket 31 extends downwardly from angle iron 35 and is supported onaxle 38. Bracket 45 may be made to extend substantially below axle 38and a truss 46 may extend between a boss 41 on stub axle 40 or any othersuitable structure in the vicinity through bracket 45 and also through abracket 48 engaging axle 38 in the vicinity of bracket 42. Bracket 48supports Z bars 49 and 50, Fig. 3, constituting a frame structure forfeeding mechanism F, Z bars 49 and 50`extending substantially betweenbrackets 48 and 45 to be supported thereon.

Returning to baling chamber B, as seen in Fig. 7, angle irons 30, 3|, 34and 35 extend the full length of the baling chamber and beyond to formthe major portion of the machine, in the present instance being unitedby a frame, bulkhead or the like Fig. 2, at the front of the balingchamber, plates 29 and 36 extending approximately from the line 52rearwardly to the outlet end 53 of bale chamber B. Plates 32 and 33extend from approximately the region of line 52, a short distance only,as will appear.

In the neighborhood of bulkhead 5| an extension or platform generallydesignated as 53 is fixed with baling chamber B in any suitable manner,a reinforcement 54 being provided, if desired. Platform 53', accordinglybecomes a part of the main frame of the machine and in the presentinstance is supported by a ground engaging wheel 55, having an axle 56,and supporting the platform through a fork or similar member 51. Fork 51may have a shank or king pin 58 journaled in suitable or well-knownmanner in platform 53', and a drawbar 59 may be bifurcated or otherwisesuitably arranged to be pivotally connected as at 60 with fork 51.

The structure so far described comprises a unitary S-Wheeled vehiclewhich can be readily trailed behind a tractor or other pulling meanseither for transportation or for working in the field.

The baling mechanism proper is carried on or 7| associated with balingchamber or body portion B. Tli'us, platform 53', as Vseen in Figs. 1 and2, may carry an engine generally designated as E, above noted, andhaving a fuel tank 6| and an air intake pipe 62, a crank or drivingshaft 63 and a driving pulley 64. The details of engines generally beingwell-known and forming no part of the present invention, the engine neednot be further described.

Pulley 64 drives, through a belt or other flexible motion transmittingmeans 65, a ily wheel generally designated as 66 and having a rimportion 61, spokes or arms 68 and a hub 69. Fly wheel 66 is fixed on ashaft 10 through which it drives the baling plunger as will appear. Belt65, as well as engaging pulley 64 and fly wheel 66 also engages an idlerpulley 1| fixed on a counter,- shaft 12, the belt being maintained incontact with idler 1| as by a belt tightening idler 13, suitablysupported as by an arm 14 xed on a shaft 15. Shaft 15 is supported insuitable bearings, as 16, fixed with reinforcing member 54, or otherwisesupported, and has a lever 11 urged rearwardly as by a spring 18 forrotating shaft 15 in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 2, foryieldably raising idler 13 into contact with belt 65. When it is desiredto temporarily.discon nect the mechanism from engine E, lever l1 may bepulled toward engine E which will lower idler 13 and loosen belt 65. Ahook, or other suitable fastening means 19 may be provided for holdinglever 11 in this position.

Shaft 10, as seen in Fig. 13, constitutes the main input shaft of anovel reduction gear generally designated as for driving a crank shaftgenerally designated as 8|, at the required relatively slow speed. Aplate 82 is suitably fixed with angle irons 30 and 34 for supportingshafts 10 and 8| and a plate 83 is suitably fixed with angle irons 3|and 35 for further supporting crank shaft 8 I, these plates supportingthe parts against the very considerable stresses developed by the balingoperation. Plate 82 has an aperture 84 in which is secured as by aflange 85, a bearing 86 which may be fitted with bushings 81 and 88 orother suitable friction reducing elements. Bearing 86 is secured inplace by one or more bolts as 89 and 90, bolt 90 engaging a flangeportion 9| of a housing 92 which abuts plate 82, a gasket 93 beinginterposed if desired. Other bolts as 94 serve to maintain the housingsolidly in place. Housing 92 includes a boss or bearing portion 95provided with bushings 96 and 91 or other suitable friction reducingmeans.

Above mentioned shaft 10 is journaled in bushings 96, 91, 81 and 88 andaccordingly well supported for rotation in housing 92.

Shaft 10 includes a portion 98 which may be tapered or otherwise adaptedfor reception of fly wheel hub 69, and journal portions 99 and |00 forsupport in the respective bearings, journals 99 and |00 being spaced bya gear or pinion l0|. Pinion |0|, in the present instance meshes withand drives a ring gear |02 within housing 92, gear |02 being fixed as bybolts ID3-|03 with a flange or adapter |04 forming part, of abovementioned crank shaft 8|. Crank shaft 8| includes said flange or adapter|04, a journal portion |05, a crank arm |06, a crank pin portion |01, acrank arm |08 and a journal portion |09. Journal portion |05 is carriedin a bearing generally designated as 0 and fixed in an aperture in plate82. However, in order to be able to assemble the parts, bearing I0comprises separable sections ||2 and ||3 joined as by flanges ||4 and||l, united by vsuitable bolts or the .like as H0. Portions ||2 and ||3are/provided with flanges as ||1 fixed with plate 02 as by bolts ||8.

With the structure described, it is posslblelwith housing 92 removed`from plate 32, to pasa journal portion |09, arm |00, pin |01, arm andbearing ||0 through aperture inte place in plate 82, after which housing92 may be appliedv and shaft and bearing 86 assembled with the housing.These associated parts constitute a reduction gear which may operate ina bath of oil retained by housing 92, the housing also serving toexclude dirt or other deleterious material from the gear. Incidentally,ring gear |02 may be chosen from production items manufactured inquantity for other purposes, such for example as tractor main drivegears, this resulting in the availability for a relatively inexpensivemachine, such as a baler, of a very high quality gear. Pinion |0| may bereadily and inexpensively cut on shaft 10 by well-known methods.

In view of this construction, it will bel evident that a ycrank can beused having al throw considerably in excess of the diameter of gear |02which is not the case in conventional construction wherein two largegears connected by a pin constitute the crank. As a result, thenecessary long stroke is obtained with much smaller and lighterconstruction than has heretofore been known. Also, by virtue of thisconstruction, the gearing may be readily enclosed in an oil tightcasing.

Journal |09 in the present instance is supported in a bearing ||9secured to plate 83 as by a flange and bolts |2|. Bearing ||9 may bearranged to extend through an aperture |22 in plate 83 and may havebushings |23 and |24 or other suitable friction reducing elements. Plate83 is securedto angle irons 35 and 3|, in any suitable manner as bybolts |25.

Crank pin -portion |01 carries and actuatesa pitman` |26 having abearing portion |21 in the present instance fitted with a cap |28maintained against the bearing as by a flange |29 secured as by bolts|30. Pitman |26, at its opposite end, has a bearing |3| engaged with awrist pin |32 carried in brackets |33 and |34 xed with or constitutingpart of a baler plunger generally designated as |35. Rotation of crank8| accord- I ingly will cause reciprocating motion of plunger |35 aswill be apparent.

Plunger |35 comprises a box like element including a head or end wall|36, a bottom wall |31, top wall |38, a back wall |39 .and a front wall|40. Brackets |33 and |34 may be fastened as by welding at |4| and |42within wall |36 and may have split clamps as |43 suitably fastenedthereto for a purpose to appear. Reinforcing plates |44 and |45 in thepresent instance are interposed between brackets |33 and |34 and endwall |36. force developed by pitman |26 is accordingly transmitteddirectly to end wall |36 in the best possible manner.

lLower plate 36 of baling chamber B extends forwardly to a point |46 butis notched as at |41 to provide clearance for pitman |26.

At the juncture between end wall |36 of plunger |35 and front wall |40,reinforcing bars or plates |48 and |49 may be interposed and fastened inany suitable manner, and a knife or cutting means |50 may be mountedonthe plunger at this point and retained as by screws |5|.

' Reinforcing bars |48 and |49 may be arranged The very considerable vto support theplunger against distortion by the reaction against knife|50. Other reinforcing elements or plates'as |52 may also be interposed.

To hold plunger |35 in propenrelation tobaling chamber B, front wall andrear wall |39 are oil substantial length, but iront wall |40 extendsforwardlyof plunger |35 substantially further ,than rear wall |39 forcovering the feed opening as will appear. Wall |40 is reinforced by anextension |33* of upper wall |38. a similar extension |31l of bottomwall |31 also serving to support wall |40.

Wall |40 is held in suitable sliding relation to angle irons |35 and |3|bysuitable pressure exerting guiding means generally'designated as |53and which in the present instance for convenience comprises blocks |54of suitable material such as oil impregnated wood. In the presentinstance, block |54 is held in contact with end wall |36 as by bolts |55traversing 'slotted openings |56 and engaging a plate |51 through whichblock |54 is clamped in engagement with end wall |36. Block |54 isurgedas by a screw |58, threaded for convenience in bracket |33, through asuitable opening in back wall |39 into contact with plate 32, thereaction of block |54 maintaining wall |40 in position relative to plate33 and also maintaining knife |50 in proper relation to its companionabutment means to be later disclosed. A similar guiding means |59 may beprovided adjacent the front end of plunger |35. In each instance theblock is preferably arranged with the end grain in contact with theguiding surface.

Similar expedients are utilized for supporting the plunger for slidingmovement, as seen in Figs. 13 and 19. Thus bottom wall |31 has a slideblock |60 in the present instance clamped between angle irons |6| and|62, as -by a bolt |63. Slide block |60 may Ibe made of oil impregnatedwood or other suitable material so that it will -be self lubricating andcarry the weight of plunger |35 without attention. A similar slide block|64 is located beneath plunger |35 adjacent end wall 36 and may beclamped lbetween angle irons |65 and |66 as by bolts |61. For guidingthe plunger in its movement, similar slide blocks |66 and |69 aredisposed along the lower side walls |39 and |40, being carriedrespectively in channel or like members |10 and |1|, the blocksprojecting through suitable openings in the side walls and beingretained in channel members |10 and |1| as by -bolts VIZ-|12. Blocks |68and |69 guide the plunger in a general way against oscillatory movementduring its reciprocation in baling chamber B, while close adjustment ofthe path of travel may be effected by adjusting blocks |54 and |59. Astructure is thus provided which can develop and withstand verysubstantial pressures, but a safety expedient may be provided in theevent that plunger |35 encounters a solid object of any kind in thatportion 98 of shaft 10 is provided with a key 13 through which it isdriven by hub |69 of iiy wheel 66. In the present instance key |13 ismade of a soft material, such 4 for example, as an aluminum alloy, thepropor- |16, Fig.' 7, of wood or other suitable material, v

for contacting the baled material at the margins of end' wall |36, strip|14 being provided with notches |11 and |10, strip |16 being providedwith notches |19 and |60, and strip |16 being provided with notches and|02. The strips are fastened to end wall |36 in any suitable manner asby bolts or the like III-|88.

Slots |11 to |02 inclusive, are provided for the purpose of clearingretainer dogs |04 to |89, respectively, dogs |00 and |89 being typical,and their mounting only will be described. As seen in Fig. 11, said dogsare fixed with a supporting element |90 pivotally supported by brackets|6| and |92 carried on plate '29, member |90 providing trunnions |93 and|94 journaled in brackets |9| and |92 or being similarly supported fromsaid brackets. Brackets |9| and |92 are suitably supported from plate 29as by rivets or other suitable means |95. DOgs |08and |09 extendinwardly and rearwardly into baling chamber B through slots |96 and |91to engage the material being baled and prevent return -movement uponretraction of the plunger. Supporting member |90 is urged in a clockwisedirection as seen in Fig. 11, as by a spring |98, in the presentinstance compressed between plate 29 and an arm |99 extended forwardlyfrom member |90. Supporting member |90 and dogs |08 and |89 maytherefore `be rotated in a counterclockwise direction by pressure of theadvancing material on dogs |80 and |89 so as to move said dogs slightlyout, of the -baling chamber through slots |96 and |91, thus providingfor uninterrupted movement of the bale being formed. However, uponretraction of plunger |35, spring |90 will rotate member |90 and dogs|88 and |89 in a clockwise direction to introduce the dogs into the baleand prevent backward motion of the material of the bale.

In the advancing motion of plunger |35, end plate |136 continues to apoint adjacent slots |96 and |91 but not far enough to interfere withdogs |00 and |09. Block |16, however, is of sufficient thickness to passbeyond dogs |08 and |89 so as to press upon the material being baled ata point beyond the dogs, the block clearing the dogs by virtue of slots|8I and |82. In this way the material is positively compressed beyondthe dogs as clearly apparent from Fig. 11. It will be understood thatidentically similar operation is effected by blocks and |14.

As above noted, front wall |40 of plunger |36 is provided with a knife|50. Plate 33 of baling chamber B is also provided with dogs 200 andcarried on a supporting element 202 journaled as by trunnions 203 and204 in brackets 205 and 208, suitably supported on plate 33.

' A spring 201 compressed between plate 33 and an arm 208 urges dogs 200and 20| into baling cham- -ber B as before, through slots 209 and 2|0.Because of knife |50, no block, such as |16, is provided on this edge ofplunger |35, and the assembly including dogs 200 and 20| is locatedsufli ciently to the rear of dogs |86 and |01 so as not to be contactedby knife |50.

Plate 33, as seen in Fig. 1, has an abutment or slice bar 2|| definingthe forward margin of an opening 2|2, through which material to be baledis introduced and knife |50 in the rearward passage of plunger |36passes somewhat to the rear of bar 2| so as to positively cut off thestream of material which has been passing into bale chamber B fromfeeding mechanism F. Within the contemplation of the invention, bar 2|and knife |50 may be cooperating shear blades but it is alsocontemplated that knife |60 may be proportioned to cut through thestream of material by a cutting or chopping action independent of anycooperating shear blade, bar 2| .being merely a support or abutment toprevent the material immediately in front of knife |50 from retreatingunder the pressure of the knife. Under 'these conditions, it is notnecessary that knife |60 contact bar 2|| northat bar 2|| be sharpened toprovide a cutting edge. A clearance may accordingly be provided betweenknife |60 and bar 2| I, plungeril being guided by blocks |64, |59, |68and |69 with suilicient accuracy to maintain this clearance. In theillustrative embodiment, this clearance is on the order of 11| of aninch. Good reliability is thus provided and critical adjustmentsavoi-ded. Also this arrangement cuts the considerable volume of materialbeing introduced through opening 2|2 with moderate power consumptiononly.

Expansion of baled material to follow the retracting plunger may befurther avoided by cleat members as 2 |3-2 |3. Fig. 8, retained forexample on plate 36 by bolts or the like 2|4. Cleats 2|3 may be providedwith a sloping face 2|5 presented toward the advancing material and asubstantially vertical face 2 |6 presented to the material tending toexpand and follow the retreating plunger. One or more of these cleatsmay be provided as desired.

Similar cleats as 2|1 lmay be provided on plate 29.

Plates 29 and 38, together with angle irons 30, 3|, 34 and 35 may besprung toward each other at`the rear as by a compressor generallydesignated as 2|0, Figs. 1 and 2. This may be of any suitable orwell-known type in the present instance including an upper angle iron2|9 and a lower angle iron 220, extending transversely of plates 29 and36 and projecting beyond the margins thereon. Angle irons 2|9 and 220may be united by tension rods 22| and 222 having springs as 223compressed between one of the angle irons and suitable abutments as handnuts 224 and 225. Nuts 224 and 225 may be tightened to develop thedesired amount of compressing force on the rear end of the bale chamber.Under some conditions it is desirable to compress the bale chamber atthe extreme end while under other conditions such compression isdesirable at a point spaced' from the end and nearer the actualcompressing oper ation. Compressor 2| 0 is therefore arranged to bemovable and in the present instance angle iron 2 I9 is provided withopenings as 226 and 221 engageable with suitable detent means on thebale chamber, such for example as rivets 220- 228, which in the presentinstance are present for another purpose, namely as part of the balingcham ber. By loosening nuts 224 and 225 sufficiently, compressor 2|8 maybe easily shifted to a new position and the nuts again tightened, rivets228 serving, if necessary, to prevent displacement of the compressor. Atool box 229, in the 'present instance, although not necessarily, isattached to angle iron 2 9. Similar openings may be provided in angleiron 220 for the same purpose.

A chamber extension 230 may be hinged in any suitable manner as at 23|for guiding finished bales to the ground in well-known manner.

In view of the relatively rapid action of the plunger and also the lackof a large opening in the top of the bale chamber, such as is common inbalers heretofore known, an appreciable quantity of air may be trappedin the bale chamber by action of the plunger, resulting in excessive'amount at the bottom of the pick-up, but gradblowing ci dust out of thebale chamber and also in some interference with baling 'and needlessconsumption of power. For this reason, plates 28, 33and 38 areperforated as seen in Figsl and l with numerous openings 23| which willrelieve 3 any air pressure without permitting escape of baled material.`A passageway or ilue 232, Flg. 7, is provided, enclosing openings 23|and leading downwardly below the baler as'at 233. 'I'he pull of air withany contained dust resulting from the compressing stroke of the plungeris accordingly discharged harmlessly on the ground below the baler. v

This completes the description of the baling mechanism proper.

Material to be baled is gathered by pick-up P, as above pointed out.V l

The pick-up includes a cylinder generally designated as 234, Fig. 3,comprising a shaft 235, a pluralityof heads as 236 and 231, anda seriesof elements 233-233, in the present instance tubularA in fo connectingAthe spaced heads. Elements 233-233 in the present instance may berigidly attached to heads 238 v ands231 in any suitable or well-knownmanner and areprovided with pickup teeth 239-239, extending therefrom infixed relation as for example radially, the teeth being yieldable oryleldably mounted on the elements if desired.V Cylinder 236 rotates in acounterclockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 3, during progressof themachine from leftto right. Teeth 233 accordingly can be made to comb theground and tend to raise material in front of the cylinder up and overthe same and to the rear thereof.

As seen in Fig. l, teeth 239 on adjacent elements 238, are arranged in aseries of planes ai right angles to shaft 235, so as to provide pathwaysabout the drum between adjacent rows of teeth., Strippers 24U-240 arearranged between the rows of teeth, starting at a point slightlyvto 40the rear of cylinder 234. and extending downwardly and forwardly andthen upwardly and rearwardly about the cylinder, approaching thecylinder closely at a point beneath and gradually receding from thecylinder until at a point substantially above the cylinder, thestrippers having receded a distance substantially equal to the length ofteeth 239. Thus as cylinder 234 rotates, the teeth project fromstrippers 24|), the maximum ually recede within the strippers until theydisappear entirely at a point slightly to the rear of the highest point.They thus operate to raise the material to be baled but disengagetherefrom at the point of greatest elevation and this without thebeneiltof any mechanism whatever within cylinder 234.

Strippers 240 `are attachedv to brackets 24|, spaced at properintervals, along a plate. 242 and braced as by struts 243 also connectedto plate 60 242. Strippers 243 at their upper ends are supported as bybrackets 244 and extend rearwardly for a distance over a rearwardextension 245 of plate 242. Strippers 240 may be of any suitable form,but in the present instanceare of channel 6 5 section as indicated inFig. 20.

Plate 242 constitutes part 'of a frame work for supporting cylinder 234and its attached parts, and serves as a spacing member for forwardlyreaching struts 246 and 241, fixed with a shaft 248 journaled in abovementioned bracket 45 and also in bracket 48. Struts 246 and 241 carryrespectively bearings 249 and 258 in which is ,iournaled above mentionedshaft 235. The entire pick-up unit may accordingly be raised and loweredabout shaft 243 by oscillating said shaft.A Shaft 243 also has an arm25| extending downwardly and rearwardly therefrom and to which isconnected a spring tooth 252 tensioned between it anda bracket"253 nxedwith angle iron 35, an vadjusting bolt 254 and nut 255 being interposedif desired. The pull of spring 252 tends to cause counterclockwiserotation of shaft 243 and a'ccordingly causes a lifting vforce inarms-246 and 241, and in practice this pull is great enough to overcomethe weight of the parts supported on arms 246 and 241 and cause themtobe raised to being supported as by a bracket 26| fromabove mentionedZ-bar 49. In the dotted positionof lever arm 258, spring 258 is relaxedsuiliciently so that spring 2,52 may raise the pick-up forvtransportation purposes, but for operation, lever arm 260 is placed inthe fulllin'e position and retained as by a hook or detent 262, thusplacing lever arm 258 in full line position and exerting tension onspring256. Spring 256 in conjunction with the weight of pick-up P,overcomes spring 252, .pulling arm 25| backwardly and lowering struts246 and 241 to place the pick-up in operative position.

At a predetermined point in the 'downward movement, a stop memb'er 263pivoted as on a bolt 264 contacts above mentioned truss rod 46 andlimits the downward movement of the pickup. Stop member 263 may beadjustable in any suitable or convenient manner, in the present instancebeing in the form of an eccentric, pivoted on bolt 264 and clampedthereby in desired relation to arm 25|. As will be apparent the adjustedworking position of pick-up P can be changed slightly by loosening bolt264 and shifting eccentric stop member 263 to a new posi- As abovenoted, strippers 240 are anchored to the extremities of plate 242. Atthe ends of cylinder 234, however, additionalstrippers 265 and 266 arecombined with are sheets 261 and 268 50 mounted in the identical manneron plate 242 as` by brackets 24| and 244, braces 269 and 210 extendingfor example from bearings 249 and 250 to iiare sheets 261 and 268 forsteadying them against the additional weight.

Strippers 240, 265 and 266 extend rearwardly over plate extension 245beyond brackets 244 and the ends of the strippers as'seen in Fig. 1, andare tapered rearwardly somewhat so that the slots resulting between thestrippers increase slightly in width at the discharge ends thereof. Forthat reason any material caught in the slots and urged rearwardly by theteeth 239 will tend to become released and the slots cleared. Flaresheet 261-extends rearwardly within a guard sheet 21| carried by thefeeding mechanism and are sheet 263 extends in a similar manner insideof a guard sheet 212 also forming part of the feeding mechanism. Pick-upP is therefore free to rise and fall While maintaining a relativelyclosed pathway or channel for picked up material into the feedingmechanism. As seen in Fig. 3, a plate 213 is hinged at 214 to Z-bar 50and is pressed upwardly as by a spring 215 'against the underside ofrearward plate extension 245. This closes the space which wouldotherwise exist between extension 24'5 and Z-bar 58. Plate 213 can riseand fall with picky-up P and maintain the closed channel between thepick-up and the feeding mechanism'.

Under some conditions, a strong wind may tend to -blow material beingpicked up out of the channel between flare sheets 281 and 288. Underother conditions, material may fail to follow lingers 239 and roll upahead of the pick-up. To counteract these tendencies, a hold-down,generally designated as 218, is provided comprising a series of strips211-211 xed with a bar 218 pivoted as at 219 and 288, to brackets 28|and 282 carried in the present instance by flare sheets 281 and 288.Strips 211 extend rearwardly over strippers 239 and are yieldablypressed down against material moving over the pick-up. Arm

' 2|2 in plate 33 and accordingly directly into the 283 extends upwardlyfrom bar 218 and has a spring 284 extending rearwardly to an anchorage285 on flare sheet 281. The tension of spring 284 tends to rotate bar218 in a counterclockwise direction as seen in Fig. 3, thereby pressingstrips 211 down against the material as above mentioned. Material oncestarted under hold down 218 cannot be blown away even by a strong windand the cooperation between teeth 239 and hold down 216 eliminates anytendency.for material to roll up ahead of the pick-up instead oftraveling over onto the conveyor.

Feeding mechanism F cooperates with pick-up P and has above mentionedguard sheets 21| and 212 and a back sheet 288 for preventing passage ofmaterial across the feeder and over the back, and also for preventingaccess of wind to the material being baled. Back sheet 286 may beinclined forwardly if desired. Z--bars 49 and 58, together with brackets45 and 48 constitute a rectangular framework for carrying a series ofrolls supporting and actuating above mentioned apron 25. This is seen inFigs. 4 and 5. Z-.bar 49 supports a shaft 281 on which is mounted avroller 288, suitable bearings as 289 and 298 of well-known type beingcarried by Z-bars 49 and 58 respectively, and carrying the rotatableshaft 281. In similar manner, bearings 29| and 292, Fig. 1, support ashaft 293 on which is mounted a roller 294. lAIbove mentioned apron 25is trained about rollers 288 and 294 land may be of any suitable orwell-known type, in the present instance constituting a smooth, wide webof suitable material, such for example as rubber belting, although othersuitable frictional material may be substituted within the contemplationof the invention, Roller 288 may advantageously have aknurled orroughened periphery and may be driven by mechanism as will appear tocause movement of apron 25 as indicated. For maintaining the tension ofapron 25, bearings 29| and 292 may :be carried on adjustable supports as295`l it being necessary to describe only the one associated withbearing 29| since it is typical. Support 295 has a slot 296 engaged by abolt or the like 291 carried .by Z- bar 49, and bearing 29| is slidablein a slot 298 in Zbar 49, support 295 and bearing 298 being urged to theright as seen in Fig. 4 sby a bolt or the like 299 iixed with thesupport as by a bolt or the like 388 and extending through an ear 38| towhich it is clamped as by nuts 382-382. By suitably adjusting nuts382-382, shaft 293 and accordingly roller 294 maybe moved in a directionto adjust the tension of apron 25. Since bearing 292 may -be adjusted inidentical manner, roller baling chamber. It will also be apparent thatat such times as 'the opening is closedas by wall |48 of plunger |38,apron 25 may continue to run and slip beneath material momentarilyblocked in its movement by the plunger.

The feeding of material is further effected by above mentioned feed drum28, Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive. Drum 281s fixed on a shaft 383 and rotatesin the direction indicated so that its periphery -travelsein thesamedirection as apron 25 in the region where the drum is next to theapron. lShaft 383 is carried in bearings 384 and 385, Fig. 3, which' aresupported in turn on arms 388 and 381, fixed with a sleeve or pipe 388journaled on a member 389 carried by back sheet 288 and a front sheet3|8, constituting pant of the feeder. Drum 28 may accordingly rise andfall about member 389 as an axis so that it may rest or "iloat onmaterial fbeing baled indicated as M, Figs. 4, 5 and 6. Drum 28 is ofsubstantial weight and acts to .preliminarily compact and compressmaterial M into a ribbon-like mass whichis urged by the travel of apron25 and drum 28 directly into opening 2|2. This is very effective ingetting a large volume of material through the opening in a given time,the volume of the usual loose fluffy material being reduced to a verysmall fraction of its original volume before passing through theopening. This is in contrast to the usual operation in which thematerial is still loose when it arrives at the feed opening and isstuffed down into the opening by a feeder head.

Drum 26, as above noted, iloats on the material and is free to rise andfall as the volume increases or decreases during operation, the densityof .the preliminarily compressed material depending on the downwardpressure of the drum which can be determined as desired. I

The downward pressure of drum 26 is transmitted through material M toapron 25 and .to assist apron 25 in resisting this pressure, supportingrollers 3||`and 3|2 `are supported beneath apron 25 in the region` ofthe downward pressure of drum 26. Rollers 3|| and 3| 2 may be mounted onshafts 3|3 and 3|4 carried in bearings of any suitable or well-knowntype as 294 may be corrected in its relation to roller 288 to insureproper and accurate running of apron 25.

3 5, Fig. 6.

Assuming drum 28 and apron 25 to be traveling as above noted in thedirections indicated, a continuous stream of material M will bepreliminarily compressed and conveyed into baie chamber B throughopening 2I2, as clearly indicated in Fig. 6. Momentarily andperiodically, however, plunger I35 comes rearwardly toward the observerin Figs. 4, 5 and 6 and. blocks opening 2|2 as shown in Fig. 4. Apron 25and drum 26, however, continue to rotate and material continues to beurged through the compressing space between drum 28 and apron 25 and -topile up in a mass against plunger |35 as shown. A substantial volume ofsuch material isv compressed into the space to the left of drum 28 andbetween .it and plunger |35 .during this'brief interval.

portion 330.

aaeasoi sulting between said drum andl plunger. If no give more space:between the drum and plunger, this action depending upon whether asuillcient volume of material is coming from pick-up P. It will beapparent that a relatively dense mass of material (which is usuallyfairly resilient) is built up against plunger |35 in anticipationof theclearingof the opening 2 |2. Accordingly, almost instantaneously uponthe withdrawal of plunger |35, lthis body or slug of material passesthrough opening 2|2 into bale chamber Bas clearly indicated in Fig. 5.This body of material being somewhat compact is thought to retain itstrlangular shape to some extent and aid inlling in the top of the balechamber.

Furthermore, if the volume of incoming ma terial'is sufficiently large,Ibale chamber B may lill completely full and the material build upadditionally outside of opening 4 in a manner similar to what it does inthe case where opening 2|2 is closed. Inv any event a-liberal supply oimaterial to be baled is kept in readiness to enter bale chamber B at alltimes.

Returning to a more detailed description of drum 26, as seen in Fig. 3,shaft 303 is rotatably supported in bearings 304 and 305 being driven bya sprocket -or the like 3|1, fixed with the shaft.

having, if desired, inturned flanges as 319. Heads 3|8-3I8 may remainstationary relatively to the drum, whereas inner heads as 320 are fixedwith shaft 303 and constitute the ends of the rotative part of the drum.Heads 320 may have outwardly turned flanges as 32| and an outer shell322 in the present instance wrapped about flanges 32| to form theperiphery of the drum. Thus a drum is provided in which the peripheryonly rotates, whereas the heads remain stationary. As a result, thereyis little or no tendency toward wrapping or tangling of stringymaterial about the drum or shaft 303. In other words, no small diameterparts rotate within the feeder.

Above mentioned cleats 3|6 may be of any suitable type, in the presentinstance V-shaped channel members or angle irons with their open sidesapplied to shell 322, welded or otherwise secured in place have provento be very satisfactory. In order to increase the effect of cleats 3|6slightly, bosses as 323 may extend outwardly and in the presentinstancerearwardly relatively to the direction of rotation on the halfof the cleats toward the front of the machine, as shown in Fig. 3. Stopmeans as 324 and 325 may be supported upon back sheet 288 and frontsheet 3|0 respectively, for supporting drum 28 clear of apron 25 at suchtimes as no material is being fed, to prevent direct contact betweencleats 3|6 and 4apron 25.

, As above suggested, drum 26 may swing up and down about member 309.Accordingly, it is convenient for the drive to sprocket 3|1 to originateon the .center line of member 309. Various well-known expedients forthis are contemplated. but for the purpose of illustration, member 308comprises a journal or pilot 326, an upset collar 321, a threaded shankportion-328, a journal portion 329 and a reduced threaded portion330. Anut 33| may be engaged with shank portion 328 and a nut 332 may beengaged with shank Nut 33| may clamp front sheet 3|0 between itself andcollar 321 while nut 332 Shaft 303 also carries heads as A3||l3|8 fixedwith bearings 304 and 305 and 329. maintain the spacing of back sheet288 and front l may clamp back sheet 288 between itself and theshoulder, between shank 33 0 and journal portion In this 4way member 309may brace and sheet 3| 0.` Sleeve 308 is journaled on member 309 andcolla/rs as 333 and 334 serve to properly locate sleeve 308 and preventundesired endwise movement thereof. A hub portion 335 fixed on a shaft338 to be more fully later described is journaled on above mentionedpilot journal 328,

and has a sprocket or-the equivalent 331Y engaging a chain 338 fordriving above mentioned sprocket 3|1, the hub portion also having a.sprocket 339 engaging a chain 340 constituting a drive Vfor apron 25.As seen in Fig. 14, chain 340 extends downwardly from sprocket 339 to anidler sprocket 34| rotatably supported on a shaft 342 below Z-bar 50,the chain onvits upward run engaging a sprocket 343 fixed with abovementionedy shaft 281. Shaft 281 carrying roller 288,

as above noted, causes rotation ofroller 288 in slightly, thus resultingin more efficient feeding of material. Under ,these conditions, a roller344, which may be substantiallysmaller in diameter than above mentionedroller 288 is mounted on a shaft 345 carried in suitable bearings suchas 3|5 above described. Roller 344, however, be-

cause of its smaller size, may be placed to extend somewhat into thefeed opening as shown, i't being so placed that only the minimum safeclearance exists between feed apron 346 and above mentioned knife |50.Under -these conditions, it may be advisable to drive through one ofthelarger rollers and accordingly, as shown in Fig. l5, a shaft 341corresponding in position to above mentioned shaft 3|3 has a sprocket348 fixed thereon similar to above mentioned sprocket 343, a chain 349engaged with a sprocket 350 -corresponding to above mentioned sprocket339, engaging sprocket 348 and idler sprockets 35| and 352, suitablysupported beneath sprocket 348. In this manner rotation of sprocket 348in a direction opposte to sprocket 350 is obtained in additiontoaccommodating the relatively offset position of sprocket 348. Shaft 341leads entirely through the feeder and as -shown in Fig. 16 carries asprocket 353 driving, through a chain 354, a sprocket 355 fixed with ashaft 356 on which is mounted a roller 351 corresponding invposition toabove mentioned roller 294, Roller 351 may he knurled or otherwiseroughened for more positive engagement with apron 348. Shaft 341 has aroller 358 corresponding in position to above mentioned roller 3|Althoughroller 358 does not have enough surface in contact with apron348 to drive the latter, sprocket 353 andv 355 and rollers 351 and 358may be so chosen that the surface'speedsv of roller 358 and apron 346are the same, so that although roller 358 l is alive there is noslipping between it and pull of spring 38,3 will therefore yieldinglyurge shaft 336, drum 26 and apron 25.

sprocket 389 upwardly to maintain the proper tension in chain 384..

The drives for the feeding and pick-up units are as follows:

Above mentioned shaft 338, as seen in Fig. 1, extends lengthwise of balechamber B, through a bearing 388 supported by bale chamber B and carriesa sprocket or the like 388, a safety release clutch 361 cf well-known orsuitable type being interposed, if desired, and the whole enclosed forsafety and convenience with a housing 388. A chain 369 engages sprocket368 and a sprocket 318 mounted on a shaft 31| .journaled in a housing312, as more particularly shown in Fig. 18, shaft 31| carrying a bevelgear 313 meshing with a bevel *gear 31-4 on above mentioned shaft 12,shaft 12 as above indicated carrying idler 1I which is driven by belt65. Accordingly actuation of belt 65 by engine E causes driving of Shaft31| may be allowed to project forwardly from housing 312, as shown inFig. 18, or may be terminated inside the housing in suitable orwellknown manner as suggested in Fig. 1.

Pick-up cylinder 234 under most conditions, is driven from the ground asfollows. Ground wheel 4| as particularly shown in Fig. 2 carries asprocket or the like 315 in the present instance the underside thereofengaging the upper run of a chain or the equivalent 316, extendingbetween an idler sprocket 311 and a sprocket 318 fixed with a shaft 319.With this arrangement, clockwise rotation of sprocket; 318, as seen inFig. 2, is obtained from counterclockwise rotation of ground Wheel 4|,the normal direction of rotation resulting from forward movement of thebailer. Sprocket' 311 is journaled on a stud or 'the like 380, which mayfor example be fixed with a. lever 38| pivoted at 382, for example toabove mentioned bracket 31. Lever 38| may accordingly swing about pivot382 for shifting sprocket 311 foradjusting the tension of chain 316.Suitable means may be provided for maintaining the adjustment as forexample a strut 383 pivoted at 384 to lever 38| and having a slottedconnection at 385 with a clamping -unit generally designated as 386.

Loosening clamp 386 will provide for shifting of lever` 38|, the clampbeing again tightened when the desired adjustment is reached.

Shaft 319 is journaled in a bearing 381 carried in a bracket 388 fixedwith baling chamber B. Shaft 319 is also journaled in a suitable bearing389, as more particularly shown in Fig. l. carried by bale chamber B andmay be fitted with a universal joint generally designated as 390connecting an extension shaft of suitable or Wellknown type as 39|connected as by a universal joint 392 with above mentioned shaft 235. Asafety or overrunning clutch generally designated as 393 of suitable orwell-known type may be interposed, if desired, within the contemplationof the invention.

Modifications of these drives are contemplated within the scope of theinvention. For example, if a powerful tractor is available, it ispossible to dispense with engine E in a baler sold to operate with suchtractor. Thus, as suggested in Fig. 21, shaft 31| may carry a universaljoint generally designated as 394, connecting it with a power take-offshaft 395 of suitable or wellknown type, operated from the tractor inwellknown manner. Shaft 31| thereby in this instance becomes the maindrive shaft or input `shaft of thamachine. Rotation of shaft 31| drivesthe feeding mechanism through above mentioned chain 389 and a shorterbelt 398 vis applied about pulley 1| and fiy Wheel 88. Shaft 12therefore becomes a driving instead of a driven shaft and actuates themain plunger drive of the baler. Therefore, from a manufacturingstandpoint, there is exceedingly little difference between an enginedriven machine and a power take-oil.' driven machine and owing to thedual function of shafts 12 and 31|, large economies in manufacture,storage and distribution may be effected.

Under some conditions, as for example, very slippery fields, a grounddrive of pick-up P is impractical. Because of the novel arrangement andorganization of parts, a power drive may be very readily obtained. Asseen in Fig. 22, sprockets 318 may be removed from the position on shaft319, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and applied.

on the opposite side of bale chamber B. At the same time a sprocket as391 may be applied in any suitable manner to journal portion |09 ofcrank shaft 8|. A chain 398 engages sprockets 318 and 391 whereuponoperation of the crank shaft will cause rotation of pick-up cylinder236. Sprocket 391 may be fixed with journal portion |09 in any suitableor well-known manner, in the present instance having a hub portion 399seated in a socket 400, a screw or the like 40| extending through a bore402 and being engaged in sprocket 391. vTightening the screw clamps thesprocket 391 securely in place as will be apparent.

As above suggested, bales formed in the baling chamber B are divided ina novel manner and without interrupting the baling action. For thispurpose, a slotter member which may conveniently be of fork-likeconfiguration generally designated as 403, Fig. 12, is used: Member 403comprises individual finger members 404 and 405 hinged at 408 and 401 toa spreader member 408 having a collar or roller 409 journaled thereonfor a purpose to appear. Member 403 therefore comprises a unit which ininsertable within the bale chamber at the proper time without disturbingthe baling action. Member 404, as seen in Fig. 8, has grooves 4|0 and4|| on opposite sides thereof and member 405 in similar manner hasgrooves 4|2 and 4|3. These grooves, when the finger member is insertedin the bale being formed, provide pathways through the bale for theinsertion of baling wires or other suitable binding members. In thepresent instance, there are two nger or needle members for accommodatingtwo binding wires.

As above suggested, member 403 is inserted in the space immediatelybehind plunger |35 between it and the material being baled at thebeginning of the retracting movement of the plunger, whereupon theoperator riding on seat 21 takes the ends of wires 4 I4 and 4|5 trailingfrom a divider unit 4|6 previously inserted and inserts said wiresrespectively in grooves 4|| and 4|3. He then takes new wires from asupply carried in a casing 4|1 (Fig. l), and supported from bale chamberB as by one or more brackets 4|8, inserting one in groove 4|0 andanother in groove 4|2. The wires of one bale being separated from thoseof the preceding bale by members 404 and 405, there is no possibility ofinterlocking of wires of successive bales. The operator on seat 28 thenhas both ends of Wires 4|4 and 4|5 projecting on his side of themachine, and which he proceeds to tie, twist or otherwise connecttogether in suitable or well-,known manner. `Member 483 cable 45|. Cable45| passes about a .pulley 465 moves backward gradually as the bale`isformed and member 4|8y is removed from the baled material entirely, assoon as wires 4|4 and 4|l are tied. and placed in readiness to bereinserted at the proper time. l

4| 9 and 420 represent the wires on a bale which is complete andmerely'bein'g forced to the rear by succeeding bales beingilormed.`Within the contemplation oi.' the invention the insertion and retractionof members 403 and 4I6 may be accomplished in various ways, in thepresent illustrative embodiment this being accomplished auto-`rnatically as follows.

Extending from bale chamber B is a bracket or runway generallydesignated as 42|, Figs. 7 to 9 inclusive, in the present instanceconsisting of upper and lower T bars 422-and 423 connected at theirouter ends as by a strut or post 424 and hinged, li' desired, as at 425and 426 to flanges 421 and 428 respectively of above mentioned plate 32.By virtue of hinged connections 425 and 426, bracket member 42| may beswung or folded as indicated in Fig. 9, to lnarrow the machine fortransportation. A brace 429 may be hinged to flange 421 as at 430 andengaged with a pin or other detent 43| on T bar 422 formaintainingbracket 42| in. the desired position extending from bale chamber B.Brace 429, as seen in Fig. 17, in the present instance may be sprungupwardly as indicated to disengage it from detent 43| to provide forswinging of bracket 42|.

For inserting the slotter member a holder generally designated as 432travels on bracket or runway 42|. Holder 432 may vbe of various typesbut in the present instance comprises an open sided socket-like -memberhaving a side Wall 433, a top wall 434, a bottom wall 435 and an endwall 436. Member 432 is suitably carried from bracket 42| .as by atraveler-plate 431 fixed with end wall 436 as by shouldered bolts 438`and 439. Bolts 438 and,439 extend to a plate 440 spaced from plate 431on the other side of bracket 42|, as by above mentioned bolts 438 and439, grooved rollers 44| and 442 respectively, being journaled on bolts438 and 439 and engaging T rails 422 and 423 as indicated in Fig. 10.Plates 431 and 440 extend outwardly from holder 432 as seen in Figs. 'Iand 9 and are connected in similar manner as by shouldered bolts 443 and-444 having journaled thereon grooved rollers as 445 and 446. Theengagement of rollers 44|, 442, 445 and 446 with T rails 422 and 423maintains .carrier plates 431 and 440 in proper relation to bracketmember 42| but provides for movement of carrier plate 431 and holder432,in guidedrelation along the bracket member. Accordingly, the slottermember as 403 inserted infholder 432 may be guided into the bale chamberthrough suitable slots as 441 `and 448 in plate 32 into bale chamber Bimmediately behindplunger 35. Flanges, as above mentioned members 421and 428, vand other flanges as 449 and 450 may define theedges of slots441 and 448 to aid in guiding finger members 404 and 405 of element 403.

As seen in Fig. 9, holder v432 may be advanced automatically to insertelement 403 by a pull on a cable 45|, anchored as by a tting 452engaging one or another of openings453 in carrier plate 440, anysuitable anchoring yexpedient being contemplated, but in lthe presentinstance member 452 having a rearwardly extending tail 454 engaging theside of plate 440 next to rollers 445, etc., so as to tend to spacecable 45| somewhat from plate 440 while'preventing displacement of tting452 so long as a pull is exerted on journaled on a pivot450 suitablysupported from bale. chamber B and in the present instance into y tionedcable 45|.

a housing 461 containing a compression spring 468, the cable passing inthe present instance entirely through spring 458 and engaging a head orplunger 458 slidable lnhousing 451. Housing 451 is suitably anchored tobale chamber B as by a bracket 460 and a closure 46| of suitable orwellknown type may be provided for the end of housing 451. Spring 458abuts a head portion 462 of housing 451 through which passes above men-The tendency to expansion of spring 458 accordingly keeps a continuoustension on cable 45| tending to urge holder 432 into the dottedposition, shown in Fig. 7, and the holder may be latched in its outer.or full-line position by a detent 463 engaged with a latch portion 464oi' a lever 465 fulcrumed as at 466 on T rail 422.v

An ear 461 on lever 465 engages a spring 468 and in thepresent instancesurrounding a bolt 469 fixed with T'rai1f422 and engaging a lock memberor. the like 410 adjustably fixed on bolt 469. The expansion of-spring468 against ear 461 accordingly tends to maintain latch portion 464engaged with detent 463. Accordingly, clockwise rotation, as seen inFig-9 of lever 465 about fulcrum 466 will release detent 463, whereuponcable 45| will propelholder-432 toward bale chamber B and the dottedposition shown in Fig. '1. Holder-432 may be retracted against the pullof cable 45| as by a handle 41|, latch 464 being automatically engagedwith detent 463 by action of spring 468 when holder 432 reaches itsmaximum. outer position.

Lever 465 may be actuated by a trip rod 412 reciprocably supportedlengthwise of bale chamber B, as for example in brackets 413,414 and415, the lever having for example a bifurcated end 416 engaging acollar, abutment, or connection 411 inthe present instance adjustablyfixed with rod 412 as by a set screw 418. Rod 412 is urged forwardlyas-.by a spring419 anchored for example to bracket 413 and also to acollar 480 which is in the present instance fixed with rod 412 as by aset screw 48|. Rod 412is moved rear- Wardly upon completion of a bale aswill appear, but this may be more clearly understood-after a briefexplanation of the operation up to this point.

Holder 432 hassa false upper wall or detent 482, Fig. 10, which whenmember 403 is removed occupies the dotted` position shown in Fig. 10.Detent 462 is sprung upwardly by insertion of member 403 and exertssubstantial frictional engagement with the outer ends of members 40.4and 405 of element 403. The operator on seat 21, as soon as element 403is released from a newly formed bale, enters the ends of fingers 404 and405 remote from portion 408 into slots 441 and 443 respectively and thenforces the ends of members 404 and 405 yadjacent vportion 408 intoholder 432 against the resistance of detent 482. The parts Iremain inthis Aposition until such time as rod 412 is moved rearwardly which, asWill appear, is always at a time when plunger |35 is in substantiallyits rearmost position.` The location of bracket 42| is such that plunger|35 passes somewhat beyond the position of ngers 404 and 405. R/earwardmovement of rod 412 accordingly releases holder 432 which immediatelyvpropels fingers 404 and 405 through slots 441 and 448 into contact withwall |39 offplunger |35, this preventing further movement of the fingerstemporarily. y Plunger |85. however, starts its retractlng movementwhile the matgrlal which has Just been compressed is held from followingthe plunger to any substantial extent by dogs |84 to 28|, inclusive.This leaves an empty space behind plunger |85 for thefirst part of itsreturn stroke. and as soon vas wall portion |88 clears the end of ngers484 and 485, Vholder' 482 under the iniiuence of spring 458 completesits movement and inserts fingers 484 and 485 into the empty space thusexisting behind plunger |85. To assist in guiding fingers 484 and 485into the correct position, a spring 488 may be ilxed in suitable mannerwith nange 421 and curved to denne the position for insertion of ringer484.y This increases the emciency of the inserting operation in view ofthe considerable motion of theV machine in traversing ordinary fieldsurfaces.

Substantially immediately, plunger |85 completes its retracting stroke.a new feed of material enters between plunger |85 and nngers 484 and 485and plunger |85 executes another compressing stroke, the new feed ofmaterial being compressed about fingers 484 and 485 and materiai alreadycompressed by previous strokes being moved backwardly a short distancein bale chamber B. Fingers 484 and 485 move backwardly in similarmanner, member 488 being baled into the material. Rearward movement ispermitted by slots 441 and 448 and the outer end of member 488is'accordingly forced out of holder 432 and moves gradually backwardwith the baled material. At some convenient time, the operator on seat21, pulls holder 482 back to the latched position preparatory toreceiving the next nger member to be released. Spring 483 is readilyforced aside by movement of finger 484 and wires are inserted in theermves un and 4|2 as above described while the fingers continue to movebackwardly. At a certain point, roller 488 encounters a cam track 484 inthe present instance supported from plate 82 and inclined rearwardly andoutwardly from bale chamber B. Cam track 484 is strongly supported froma plate or strip 485 as by struts 488 and 481 and plate 485 rests, whennecessary, against the relatively compact material being baled.Continued rearward movement of member 488 causes roller 488 to ride awayfrom bale chamber B on inclined track 484. Since fingers 484 and 485 areslightly tapered as indicated in Fig. 12, this retracting movementloosens the ilngers in the bale to such an extent that members 483 canbe readily removed by hand when convenient for replacement in holder432.

In due time member 482 will have moved rearwardly clear of track 484 andfinger 484 will contact a roller 488 or other abutment on a lever 488fulcrumed as at 488 to above mentioned rod 412. Lever 488 is urged in aclockwise direction as by a spring 48| engaged between lever 488 and ananchorage 482 preferably on rod 412, a stop pin or the like 488 engagingrod 412 to prevent further clockwise movement of lever 488 beyond adesired point. Spring 48| is so chosen thatfurther rearward movement oflinger 484 overcomes above mentioned spring 418 rather than spring 48|,causing rearward movement oi rod 412 and releasing holder 482` to insertanother finger member as above described. Fur-l ther rearward movementof finger 484 overcomes spring 48|, permitting ilnger 484 to passabutment 488 as indicated.

Under certain conditions, as for example when baling material containinga large percentage o! aseasei immediately chaff or the like. the lowerportion of the bale, a`s is common in all baling systems, tends to bemore dense than the upper portion. resulting in a slightly faster rateof travel of the lower portion of the bale during the brief intervalthat the material is being compressed. Underthese conditions, linger 485will tend to move some what further than ilnger 484, so that spreaderportion 488 will take on a somewhat slanted position as indicated inFig. 24. This might result in binding of ilngers 484 and 485 in slots441 and 448. In this event, the fingers are free to shift as necessary,relatively to spreader 488 by virtue of hinged connections 488 and 481.The divider member then appears as seen at the right in Fig. 24" andpasses freely through the slots 441 and 448, there being enoughclearance between the lingers and slots to avoid binding in spite of theslightly reduced vertical distance between fingers 484 and 485 underthese conditions.

Fingers 484 and 485 are readily restored to normal position relativelyto spreader 488 by hand or in any suitable manner, a certain amount offrictional resistance in hinges 486 and 481 being provided if desired.

Under certain conditions it is desirable to be able to adjust the pointat which abutment 488 is contacted by the divider members such 'as 483and 4|6. This is for the purpose of adjusting the length of the balesbeing formed. Furthermore. the wires as 4| 4 and 4|5 are `ordinarilyfastened with a certain amount of slack, the bales expanding as they arereleased from baling chamber B to take up this slack and resulting inthe desired tension in the wires. With different materials, or even thesame material, under diierent conditions, the amount of this expansionvaries so that the point of tripping by abutment 488 needs to be changedto suit conditions even if the same length bale is desired.

This might be done in several ways, but in the present illustrativeembodiment, brackets 414 and 415 constitute part of a. unit generallydesignated as 484 and which may be secured as by screws 495 to a stripor plate 488 ixed to baling chamber B as by screws 481. A collar 488 onrod 412 determines the forward extent of movement of rod 412 by engagingbracket 414,and a collar 488, spaced from bracket 414 and ilxed on rod412, may be provided to limit the rearward movement of rod 412, therebyrelievingabove mentioned lever 455 from the duty of holding the rodagainst the force developed by rearward movement of finger 484,necessary to actuate lever 488 and overcome spring 48|. Unit 484 may beremoved from strip 488 by removing screws 485 and replaced at thedesired point by inserting screws 485 in appropriate openings, as 588, aplurality of which are provided at suitably spaced points. Abovementioned collars 411 and 488 may be loosened on rod 412 during thisadjustment and then anchored again to rod 412 in the appropriateposition to actuate lever 455 and to give the proper tension in spring418. By these adjustments, a wide variation may be secured in the lengthof bales produced and a given length oi bale can be secured under agreat 'variety of varying conditions.

To receive the'considerable momentum of holder 482. when it moves toinsert nger member 488, apad or abutment 58| may be provided and.

fixed with plate 402 in any suitable manner as by a bolt 500. v

Under certain conditions, it may be desirable to omit wheel 55 and itsattached parts.. For this purpose, platform 53' may comprise spaced beammembers 500 and'505 as seen in Figs. 24 and 24, approaching each otherforwardly of engine E and including between them a` plateA 505. thebeamsand plate being solidly united as by bolts 501-501. Plate 500constitutes a draw element and may be provided with openings 500-500 forreception of bolts as 509 securing to plate 506 a fitting I0 of suitableor wellknown type for engagement with a draw bar 5H of a tractor orother drawing means not shown. Fitting 510 may accordingly be raised orlowered by engagement of bolts r509 with appropriate holes 500 so thatplatform 505 will be substantially level when supported from aftractororthe like.

Platform 505 must be supported at times when the baler is disconnectedfroma tractor. For this purpose, a stand element generally designated as5l2, which may be bifurcatedto engage the sides of plate 506, is pivotedto said plate as by a bolt 5|3. A stop bolt 5H vengages an edge 5|5 ofplate 508 which may be offset from edge 5|6 of the plate if desired toarrest clockwise rotation of member 5I2 about bolt 5|3, andconsequentdownward movement of platform 505. A stable support is therebyfurnished for platform 505. If the tractor drawbar is coupled to fitting5I0, forward motion of the assemblage causes counterclockwise rotationof member 5| 2 with slight lifting-of platform 505 and release of member5I2 from supporting relation to the ground and plate 506. Member 5|2 maybe readily swung upwardly vto the dotted position in Fig. 24 andretained by any suitable means such as a hook 5H. Additional holes as5Iilv may be provided for example in member 5I2 to adjust member 5i2 forleveling yplatform `505 to suit conditions. For example, if themachineis to be used for stationary baling, and at the mostconvenientrlocation the ground is not level, member 5I2 may be adjustedso that the machine will rest substantially level on the slanted ground.The machine may be operated in the above described manner and materialto be baled forked directly onto apron 25 when the baling will proceedas above described.

The above being-a complete description of the illustrative embodiment ofthe invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured byLetters Patent of the United States is:

1. In. a baler, a baling chamber, means for dividing material beingcompressed in the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to beinserted into the chamber to provide a pathway for a binding element forbinding a bale formed in said chamber, holding means for supporting thefinger and adapted to insert the finger into the chamber to be baledinto and to move therealong with the material being baled, atripconnected to control the holding means for predetermining the time ofinsertion ofthe finger, and means associated with the baling chamber forloosening the finger from the compressed material incident to itsmovement therewith, preparatory to reinsertion of said finger in thechamber.

2. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for dividing material beingcompressed in the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to bein-y serted into the chamber toibe baled into and to move therealongwith the material being baled to provide a pathway fora binding elementfor `binding a bale formed in said'chamber, holding means forvsupportingthe finger and adapted to insert the finger into the chamber,and means associated with the baling chamber for loosening the nger fromthe compressed material incident to the movement thereof preparatory toreinsertion of said finger in the chamber.

3. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for dividing material beingcompressed lin the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to beinserted into the chamber to be baled into and to move therealong withthe material being baled to provide a pathway for a binding element forbinding a bale formed in said chamber, holding means y for so supportingthe finger, a trip associated with the finger and adapted topredetermine the times of. insertion of the finger, and means associatedwith the baling chamber for loosening the finger from the compressedmaterial incident to the movement thereof preparatory to reinsertion olsaid finger in the chamber.

4. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for dividing material beingcompressed in the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to beinf serted into the chamber to be baled into andto move therealong withthe material being baled tovprovide a pathway for a binding element forbinding a bale formed in said chamber, means adapted to insert thefinger into the material being compressed, a trip connected to controlsaid means for predetermining the times of insertion of the finger, andmeans associated with the baling chamber for loosening the finger fromthe compressed material incident to the movement thereof preparatory toreinsertion of said finger in the chamber.

5. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for dividing material beingcompressed in the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to beinserted into the chamber to be baled into and to move therealong withthe material being baled to provide a pathway for a binding element forbinding a bale'formed in said chamber, holding means for so supportingthe nger and adapted to insert the finger into the compressed material,and means for loosening the finger preparatory t0 reinsertion of saidfinger in the compressed material. v`

6. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for dividing material beingcompressed in the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to beinserted into the chamber to be baled into and to move therealong withthe material being baled to provide a pathway for a binding element forbinding a bale formed insaid chamber, means adapted to insert the ngerinto the material being compressed, and means for loosening the fingerfrom the compressed material incident to the movement thereofpreparatory to reinsertion of said finger in the chamber.

7. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for dlviding material beingcompressed in the chamber including a slotter finger positioned to beinserted into the chamber to be baled into and to move therealong withthe material being baled I to provide a. pathway for a binding element.for

tioned to be inserted into the chamber to be baled into and to movetherealong with the material being baled to provide a pathway for abinding element for binding a bale formed in said chamber, and means forremoving the iinger from the compressed material incident to itsmovement in said chamber preparatory to reinsertion of said finger inthe chamber.

9. Ina baler, a baling chamber, means for binding bales of material inthe chamber, said means including a slotter unit comprising a pluralityof slotter fingers adapted for extension into the baling chamber, andhaving means for guiding a binding element into the material beingbaled, and a spreader element for spacing the fingers the desireddistance apart, said fingers being of gradually increasing cross-sectionfrom the free ends thereof toward the point of attachment of saidspreader element.

10. In a baler, a baling chamber, means ior binding bales of material inthe chamber, said means including a slotter unit comprising a pluralityof slotter ngers adapted for extension into the baling chamber, andhaving means for guiding` a binding element into the material beingbaled, a spreader element for spacing the lingers the desired distanceapart, and hinged connections between the fingers and spreader.

11. In a baler, a baling chamber, meansr for binding bales of materialin the chamber, said means including a slotter unit comprising aplurality of slotter fingers adapted for extension into the balingchamber, and having means for guiding a binding element into thematerial being baled, a spreader element ior spacing the iingers elementand urging said slotter unit out of the.

baled material as the latter progresses rearwardly in the course of thebaling process.

13. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for binding bales of material inthe chamber, said` means including slotter units having Part of theirlength insertable into the baling chamber to be baled into thecompressed material, the remainder of said length projecting therefrom,anV

abutment supported from thezbaler in the path of travel of theprojecting portion of said slotter unitsand positioned so as to becontacted by one of said portions of the length of said slotter units atthe point of rearward travel thereof where it is desired that anotherslotter unit be inserted into the baling chamber, and means actuated bythe baler for loosening the slotter units from the baled material.

14. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for binding bales of material inthe chamber, said means including slotter units having part of theirlength insertable into the baling chamber-to be baled into thecompressed material, the remainder of said length projecting therefrom,an abutment supported from the baler in the path of travel of theprojecting portion of said slotter units andlpositioned so as tobecontacted by one of said portions of the length of said slotter unitsassasoi at the point of rearward travel thereof where it is desired thatanother slotter unit be inserted 'into the baling chamber, means forautomatically inserting slotter units into said chamber and for unitinto said chamber, and said abutment being yieldable to pressure beyondthat necessary for operating said trip to provide for the passage oislotters beyond said abutment.

15. -In 'a baler, a chamber, means for binding l bales of material inthe chamber, said means including slotter units insertable into thebaling chamber to be baled into and to move therealong with the materialbeing baled in, and means for determining the time of insertion of saidunits including a rod slidable lengthwise of said baling chamber, abracket adjustable on said chamber and in which said rod is slidable,abutment means on said rod engageable with said bracket to limitlongitudinal movement of said rod in one direction, abutment means onsaid rod adapted to limit movement of said rod in the other direction,means urging said rod in a direction to yieldably maintain the lastmentioned abutment means in contact-with said bracket, and abutmentmeans on the rod in position to be contacted by slotter units travelingwith the compressed material for sliding said rod.

16. In a baler, a baling chamber, means for binding bales of materialinrthe chamber, said means including slotter units insertable into thebaling chamber to be baled into and to move therealong with the'material being baled, a holder for the units, means for urging saidholder in a direction to insert said slotters into said baling chamber,and means for determining the time of inserting of said units includinga rod slidable lengthwise of said baling chamber, a bracket adjustableon said chamber and in which said rod is slidable, abutment means onsaid rod engageable with said bracket to limit longitudinal movement ofsaid rod, means urging said rod in a direction to -yieldably main tainsaid abutment means in contact with said bracket, abutment means on therod in position to be contacted by slotter units traveling with thecompressed material for sliding said rod, a latch positioned forretaining said holder prior to insertion of said slotter units, and aconnection adjustable along said rod adapted to release said latch uponlongitudinal movement of said rod.

17. In a baler, having a slotter member adapted to be inserted into thebaling ,chamber to provide for binding the resulting bales, means forinserting the slotter, said means including a' run-way extendingoutwardly from the baling chamber, a traveler guided for movement alongsaid run-way and including a socket for receiving the slotter member, aspring tensioned cable connected for urging said traveler in a directionto insert the slotter member into said baling chamber, a latch on thetraveler, a lever supported from the` baler and positioned to engage thelatch, a trip rod, an abutment adjustable along the trip rod and engagedwiththe lever, said trip rod being slidable longitudinally of saidbaling chamber, a bracket adjustably supported from said baling chamberand in which said rod is slidable, stop means for limiting slidingmovement of said rod, and an abutment on said rod positioned to becontacted by a slotter unit

